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2010 Session

Budget Amendments - HB30 (Committee Approved)

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Va Transp Research Council (language only)

Item 451 #1h

Item 451 #1h

Transportation
Transportation, Department of

Language
Page 314, after line 4, insert:
"4.  The Secretary of Transportation, in conjunction with the Department of Transportation, shall undertake an analysis of the potential to substantially reduce the size and scope of the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC) in order to more effectively utilize funding available for transportation in the Commonwealth.  Such study shall detail the sources of the VTRC funding by functional area and by staffing levels; evaluate the cost-effectiveness of conducting research activities in-house; investigate cost savings potentially available from outsourcing materials and related engineering research; consider the potential of directing federal grants through Virginia's research universities; and consolidate soft-science evaluations into the department's existing offices of policy analysis and management services.  The Secretary shall present to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Transportation Committees and the Senate Finance and Transportation Committees no later than October 15, 2010, a report outlining his recommendations on a reorganization of the research activities currently undertaken at the VTRC, and identify how to implement budget reductions to the Council of 25 percent, 50 percent and 75 percent would be implemented so that the findings of the study may be incorporated into amendments to the fiscal year 2010-2012 biennial budget in the 2011 Session of the General Assembly."


Explanation
(This amendment directs the Secretary of Transportation to undertake a study to effectuate the downsizing or elimination of the Virginia Transportation Research Council with activities being transferred to other VDOT offices, Virginia's research institutions and/or private sector contractors.)